Praise for pair

Harry Redknapp had words of praise for Ledley King and Aaron Lennon after Sunday's shoot-out loss against United in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley.

Harry Redknapp had words of praise for Ledley King and Aaron Lennon after Sunday's shoot-out loss against United in the Carling Cup Final at Wembley.

Ledley, who only returned from a hamstring problem at Hull on Monday, managed his second game in six days without training and was his majestic self alongside Michael Dawson in the heart of our defence.

The skipper, who has to constantly manage a knee injury, appeared untroubled despite playing the full 120 minutes, helping keep a clean sheet against the champions.

"Ledley can't train and yet goes out and plays extra time, doesn't get cramp or anything, he's unbelievable," said Harry.

"How he gets through it I don't know.

"He doesn't train at all and yet he's fit to play a game like that for two hours - amazing."

Jonathan Woodgate failed a late test on an Achilles injury and Michael Dawson was struggling with cramp in extra time - both Ledley, who rarely plays weekend, midweek, weekend and Woody have to be doubts for Wednesday's Premier League clash against Middlesbrough at the Lane.

"I'll be truthful, probably Michael Dawson is my best chance," said Harry. "That's the problem - we play again on Wednesday.

"Aaron Lennon also seized up with cramp in the end but he was terrific.

"I thought he gave Evra, who along with Ashley Cole is the best left-back in the Premier League, a torrid time."

200-UP FOR LENNON

The final marked Aaron Lennon's 200th appearance of his senior club career.

He made his senior debut for Leeds United against Spurs on August 23, 2003, aged 16, and went on to make 43 league and cup appearances for the Yorkshire club, scoring one goal.

His tally since signing for us during July, 2005 is 13 goals in 156 senior games. His present total of 199 appearances comprises 146 League games plus 53 in cup competitions.